Construction inspectors

Construction inspectors:

• Examine plans, drawings and site layouts for new buildings, building renovations and other proposed structures
• Inspect construction of buildings, bridges, dams, highways and other structures for conformance to drawings, specifications, building codes or other applicable acts and standards regulating construction
• Inspect and test electrical or plumbing installations in buildings to ensure compliance with municipal, provincial and federal regulations
• Inspect steel framework, reinforcing steel mesh and rods, concrete forms or pre-stressed concrete to ensure quality standards and to verify conformance to specifications and building codes
• Inspect construction sites to ensure that safe working conditions are maintained
• Inspect existing buildings to identify and report on structural defects, fire hazards and other threats to safety
• Inspect new or resale homes on behalf of clients and assess and provide reports on the physical condition of property

Building inspectors:

Building inspectors are local government officials primarily involved in new construction and renovation. They are members of the Building Officials’ Association of BC and many also belong to the Plumbing Officials’ Association of British Columbia and perform plumbing inspections. Workers in this occupation:

• Ensure compliance with the structural as well as health and safety requirements as outlined by local government by-laws, the BC Building Code, BC Fire Code and other related acts and standards
• Keep diligent records of the project and co-ordinate with contractors, engineers, other professionals and agencies
• Assist applicants with the permit process

Home and property inspectors:

Home and property inspectors primarily work on existing structures for the private and real estate sector. Workers in this occupation:

• Inspect buildings to identify and report on structural defects and possible deterioration since construction
• Report on the condition of a home’s systems, components and structure (e.g., roofing, plumbing, electrical wiring, and heating or cooling systems)
• Assess the physical condition of the property where the home is located and provide detailed reports on the property and house being inspected, including a comprehensive checklist of the home’s condition

Registered fire protection technicians:

• Visit construction sites and inspect work that is in progress
• Inspect construction projects to ensure compliance with safety regulations, with fire safety as the primary concern
• Inspect fire sprinklers, alarms, smoke control systems and fire exits
• Assess adjoining buildings to determine any risks posed by the type of construction, building contents and fire protection equipment
• Enforce laws pertaining to the fire safety status of buildings and instruct violators of fire regulations to comply with codes, obtain permits and submit to further inspections
• Provide information to the public and conduct education and information sessions about the fire code and fire safety and prevention

Construction safety officers:

• Make scheduled and unscheduled visits to construction sites to assess the safety of the work environment
• Reinforce universal safety measures, ensuring that protective clothing, such as hard hats, goggles, ear protection and steel-toed footwear, is worn
• Make supervisors and workers aware of potentially hazardous situations
• Observe the construction, repair and maintenance of highways, bridges, dams and other types of building and engineering projects to ensure the safety of workers
• Provide information to the public

Earnings is income that workers receive in exchange for their labour. Depending on the type of employment, earnings can be in the form of wages (hourly), salaries (fixed monthly or annual) or self-employed earnings.